How to Talk to Your Doctor About Heart Health

Learn what to prepare before your annual physical and what to say during it

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You've scheduled your annual physical, so all you have to do is show up and your doctor will take the lead, right? Not necessarily. According to the American Heart Association, only 20% of primary care physicians know that more women die of heart disease than men. That means it's up to you to make sure you're getting the right preventive care. Checkups can be rushed, so take time beforehand to write down these facts so you arrive prepared.

Make a list of relatives who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes--also a risk factor. If a grandparent, parent or sibling had a heart attack, stroke or other major heart event before age 65, your risk of heart disease may be higher. Remind your doctor of this information so she can more accurately assess your risk.

2. Describe a day in your life. (Be honest!)

As you go over the following details with your doctor, ask how each one affects your risk.

· How much you exercise

· If (and how often) you're stressed

· How many hours you sleep

· Your typical meals and snacks

· If you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke

3. Ask about surprising heart symptoms.

Some heart disease signs are easy to miss. Watch for a change in how long and how hard you can exercise: Do you become winded walking up steps or grow more tired than usual? Are you having chronic back, chest or left arm pain? If so, you may need extra screenings. (See your doctor ASAP ifyou're having these symptoms daily.)

4. Be the messenger.

Your specialists don't always share information with your primary care doctor, so be sure to keep her updated on all aspects of your health. Certain medications and conditions can impact your odds of developing heart disease, including birth control pills, autoimmune conditions, and pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.

KEEP TABS ON YOUR TEST RESULTS

Every year, your doctor should check your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and iron levels (anemia raises your heart disease risk). As you leave your appointment, ask the receptionist to mail or fax you the results of the screenings. You can use those numbers to take a free risk assessment at the American Heart Association's GoRedForWomen.org/HCU.